The client has pain in the lower back that radiates down the leg ...

[moongchi]

The client has pain in the lower back that radiates down the leg as the result of a herniated disk compressing the sciatic nerve that began 4 months ago. When documenting this client's pain, which term will the nurse use?
 
  1. Acute somatic pain
  2. Acute visceral pain
  3. Chronic neuropathic pain
  4. Acute neuropathic pain

Question 2

The nurse is using a nonpharmacologic method to manage a client's pain, and applies a unit that applies low-voltage electrical stimulation directly over the pain area.
 
  When documenting this intervention, which term is the most appropriate for the nurse to use?
  1. TENS unit
  2. Nerve block
  3. Functional restoration
  4. Cutaneous stimulation

[amcvicar]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 4

The pain is considered acute because it has lasted less than 6 months, which is the NANDA-accepted definition of chronic pain. It is neuropathic pain because it is caused by damage to the sciatic nerve.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1

The unit described is a TENS unit, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator, which is a form of cutaneous stimulation. However, TENS would be the specific name of this treatment, whereas cutaneous stimulation would be a more general term. Nerve block is a pharmacologic treatment injecting an analgesic or steroid into the site of pain. Functional restoration is a form of social therapy.

[moongchi]

Excellent

[bigcheese9]

TYSM